aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 (edited) si.com Auburn’s star freshman Keldric Faulk has been placed on the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Watch List Joshua Collins 3–4 minutes Can Keldric Faulk bring home Freshman Player of the Year? Star freshman defensive lineman Keldric Faulk has been garnering a lot of earned attention in his brief time so far on the Plains. He has produced some stellar performances in both the spring and fall camps and is quickly rising to be one of the common names the Auburn fan base will hear come game days. His meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by the media and awards committees alike, as he has just been placed on the Watch List to be named the fifth recipient of the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award. Shaun Alexander, the award's namesake, played for the University of Alabama during the late 90's and began his collegiate career as a 3rd string choice for the Tide. However, the fates played a different card for Alexander during a heated game against the LSU Tigers in Death Valley on the 9th of November 1996. It was here that Shaun cemented his legendary status as a Crimson Tide running back by rushing for a total of 291 yards to the tune of four touchdowns. With this, Shaun set the single-game rushing record for the Tide. Due to his tremendous performance as a freshman, the Freshman Player of the Year Award was renamed to what it is today. Trevor Lawrence was the inaugural recipient of the award during the 2019 season. If Keldric Faulk performs to the capacity that many on the coaching staff believe he can perform, Keldric will be a hard name to pass up voting for come award day. This young man has an extremely bright future ahead of him on the Plains, and the Auburn family is extremely excited to witness it first-hand. If named winner, Keldric Faulk would be the second defensive player to win and the first Auburn player to win as well. The date for the presentation of the award winner has yet to be released. Eric Starling/Auburn Daily Other Articles Hugh Freeze: Tigers' roster was 'far from what I believe an Auburn roster should look like' Auburn football announces start time for 2023 fall camp Payton Thorne new favorite to win Auburn quarterback battle Daily Wire's Jake Crain predicts Auburn to finish third in SEC West Jayden Daniels shared his thoughts on playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium Jake Crain believes Auburn football can be 'sneaky' under Hugh Freeze SEC commissioner Greg Sankey discusses the elimination of divisions in future conference scheduling College football expert 'doesn't see' eight wins on Auburn football's 2023 schedule Hugh Freeze provides updates for Auburn players injured in the spring Auburn's Hugh Freeze says new QB Payton Thorne has impressed with his 'attention to detail' Hugh Freeze: 'Robby Ashford helps us win football games' Hugh Freeze provides timeline for Auburn football quarterback battle Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials! Edited August 31, 2023 by aubiefifty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 auburnwire.usatoday.com The key to stopping UMass runs through Auburn's defensive line Taylor Jones 2–3 minutes UMass named Taisun Phommachanh its starting quarterback ahead of the Minutemen’s season-opener against New Mexico State. The decision by UMass head coach Don Brown proved to be wise, as the former Georgia Tech and Clemson quarterback passed for 192 yards and rushed for an additional 96 yards in the 41-30 victory over the Aggies last Saturday. Buy Tigers Tickets Brown told the media Monday that they are pleased with Phommachanh, and hope to continue using packages that make him comfortable. “We tried to give [Phommachanh] some plays that he’s very comfortable with,” Brown said Monday. “We’re really comfortable with him. (Offensive coordinator Steve) Casula has done a good job preparing him, and I thought that bared out.” Phommachanh has Power Five experience but did not see much action during his time at Clemson and Georgia Tech. That is one advantage that Auburn has on the UMass quarterback, as the Tiger defense is primed to battle the best offenses in the country. This weekend, Auburn sends two returning starters to the defensive line, Marcus Harris and Jayson Jones. Jones, the Tigers’ starting defensive tackle, missed just one tackle in 370 snaps. As for Harris, he created 15 pressures last season. Two exciting transfers will fill out the defensive line. Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister will get the start at jack linebacker after recording seven total pressures last season in Nashville. The most exciting starter for the UMass game is Mosiah Nasili-Kite. Kite, who is the SEC’s most underrated transfer according to Mike Farrell Sports, made 26 tackles last season and created 16 pressures with two sacks at Maryland in 2022. It is not a given, but it is almost a lock that Auburn will earn its first win of the 2023 season on Saturday against UMass. In order to guarantee a win, the defensive line will need to be relentless in their effort to make Phommachanh uncomfortable all game long. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 Auburn's Freeze admits he's 'uncomfortable', but eager for record-setting home opener Published: Aug. 30, 2023, 3:39 p.m. 6–8 minutes To the folks who happen to live nearby Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, pardon the noise this weekend. Freeze went as far as to ask a local media member during the SEC teleconference Wednesday afternoon if they had a spare bedroom available this weekend as Freeze’s house is all booked up with family members who are flocking to The Plains to watch he and the Tigers open the 2023 season against UMass Saturday afternoon. “I’m blessed to have an incredible family and obviously, our entire immediate family is here, but so many more are nearby in Mississippi and are making the trip. From uncles to aunts to all of our parents and cousins,” Freeze said in Wednesday’s teleconference. “We’ve got our hands full.” Fortunately for Freeze, he was able to delegate the task of arranging his family’s stay to his wife Jill and daughter Ragan. After all, he’s got a game to prepare for. When Auburn and UMass kickoff against each other Saturday afternoon, Freeze admits that it might not be the most comfortable situation he’s been in. And that’s not because of the east Alabama heat or the clunky headset he’ll wear over his visor. Rather it’s because the situation of this season opener at Auburn feels unlike any he’s ever experienced in his coaching career. “It’s been the most challenging and uncomfortable new position that I’ve ever had with just everything that’s about college football now,” Freeze said Wednesday. From navigating the transfer portal to recruiting, it’s been a whirlwind since Freeze arrived to The Plains late last November. Freeze welcomed more than 20 transfers and a combined 40 new players into Auburn’s locker room this offseason – of which some didn’t even arrive until this past summer. That said, 247Sports praised Freeze and Auburn’s success in the portal, ranking the Tigers’ transfer portal class No. 5 in the country. Meanwhile, Freeze and his coaching staff set the recruiting trail ablaze beginning in late July as 5-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick flipped from Georgia and was the first domino to fall in a handful of recruiting wins. As uncomfortable as the rapidly changing landscape of college football might be for Freeze, his success in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail point to his ability to adapt to change quickly. But sometimes, when changes pile and pile atop of one another, that feeling of discomfort can quickly creep back up. With so many new faces around the program, piecing it together in what felt like just a few weeks’ time, has Freeze feeling understandably anxious heading into the 2023 season. “It’s been quite challenging,” Freeze admitted Wednesday. “And still, quite truthfully, you’re still trying to put the pieces together… It’s a little more difficult than I’ve found at previous stops when I’ve taken over.” Earlier this month, Freeze named junior Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne the Tigers’ starting quarterback. Thorne, who has only been at Auburn since May, went on to be named one of four of Auburn’s team captains Tuesday night. He joins fellow transfer Elijah McAllister and seniors Luke Deal and Kam Stutts as the Tigers’ leaders this season. And if you think two new guys being captains is a shock, look around at the rest of the roster. Looking at the depth chart Auburn released Monday, which should be taken with a grain of salt after being denounced by Freeze, there are 10 positions in which a transfer is listed as a starter or co-starter. “We have so many new faces, new spots, new staff, some nagging injuries we’re dealing with also… It’s very hard to gauge exactly where you are,” Freeze said. “I feel really good about our running back room, I feel really good about our tight end room. And I think for the most part after that, everything is kinda unproven. So it’s really hard to gauge.” Throughout fall camp, Freeze has mentioned how difficult it’s been to walk away from practices and scrimmages completely satisfied. That’s especially been the case when discussing Auburn’s run game, which has been productive in scrimmages. But does that point to Auburn’s running back room being good? Or does that point to Auburn’s run defense being bad? The jury is still out on that. And that makes Freeze understandably uncomfortable, especially knowing what kind of animal the Southeastern conference is. “My only previous experience in this conference was when I took over at Ole Miss. I think the conference is considerably better now than it was then,” Freeze said. “Which makes it even more uncomfortable.” Freeze’s comments about being uncomfortable are likely to draw concerns from Auburn fans. But solace can be found in just about any quote ever said about change. In summary, in order to change, one must become uncomfortable. After a disastrous two seasons under Bryan Harsin, an uncomfortable Hugh Freeze might be the change the Auburn football program needed. We begin to find out Saturday afternoon, when Freeze and the Tigers take to Pay Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium. And if Freeze can find comfort in anything, it’s this: Unlike his previous visits to Jordan-Hare Stadium, Freeze gets to stand on the home sideline this time around. Freeze mentioned how excited he was to stand on the home sideline back in mid-July at SEC Media Days. At the time, Auburn had just announced that it had sold the most season tickets in program history. Since then, Auburn has not only announced that Saturday’s game against UMass is a sellout, but that the capacity of Jordan-Hare Stadium has also grown. Together, both announcements pave the way for Saturday’s crowd to be the biggest in program history. “It’s going to be a magical experience in that stadium, provided that we play well,” Freeze said in Monday’s press conference. “And that’s the pressure or the anxiousness that you feel sitting in this chair. We’re just waiting to deliver. We have an incredible fan base that has welcomed us so much. They bought season tickets, we’ve expanded the stadium size, and there will be a capacity for Saturday. You hear all those things, and you just so badly want to deliver.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 247sports.com Omari Kelly brings the energy for Auburn wide receivers Jason Caldwell ~3 minutes AUBURN, Alabama—After catching 83 passes for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior at Hewitt-Trussville High, Omari Kelly had three receptions for 56 yards last season as a true freshman for the Auburn Tigers. Heading into year two under the guidance of first-year coach Hugh Freeze, Kelly could be in line for more playing time because of his talent level and the energy he brings every day.“ “Love his energy,” Freeze said. “Love the way he practices. Love the juice he brings to the field.” It’s something that Kelly’s teammates have seen as well. A player that has continued to develop as a wide receiver after playing both offense and defense in high school, Kelly has shown the ability to make plays heading into Saturday’s opener. Maybe more importantly, he’s become an energy guy for the team that continues to bring it each and every day. “Omari is a playmaker,” senior tight end Luke Deal said. “When he first stepped on campus, I vividly remember seeing him make plays, his speed. I remember watching him run down on kickoffs the first time and I was like, ‘Man, this guy has some wheel. I’d like some of those.’ I’d like to be able to run as fast as him. I can’t. He’s a playmaker, but more than that, he’s a really good morale booster around the locker room. He’s always got energy. “The guys in that receiver room, you can tell, there’s a couple of guys in that receiver room that bring the energy and people look to them. He’s one of those guys. When we need a play, every time we need something and we’re flat or we go through the motions on offense, he’s one of the guys who gets us out of that. That speaks a lot to his character, to his talent and to his energy on the football team.” The man who coached him at Hewitt-Trussville, Josh Floyd isn’t surprised to see Kelly making moves on the field nor is he surprised to hear that his former player is someone that has been bringing the energy for the Tigers throughout the preseason. “I’m fired up he’s getting an opportunity,” Floyd said. “You can’t but love Omari. He’s one of those kids that has a great personality. He’s always fun to be around. I know he’s worked hard. I’m not surprised he’s going to be out there Saturday. He’s so talented and he has great ball skills. He understands the game. I feel like he’s a smart football player. I think he’ll do really well. He’s just a guy that enjoys the game.” Kelly and the Tigers will open the season at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday against UMass at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game can be seen on ESPN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 al.com Hugh Freeze updates on Jarquez Hunter’s status for Auburn football’s 2023 opener Published: Aug. 30, 2023, 12:18 p.m. 2–3 minutes AUBURN, AL - March 27, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Jarquez Hunter (#27) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin PerrymanAuburn University Athletics Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was asked during an SEC conference call Wednesday if there would be any suspension for running back Jarquez Hunter in Auburn’s season opener after a tumultuous offseason. His answer did not provide any certainty, as has been the case throughout the summer. “I don’t discuss who’s playing and who’s not,” Freeze said. “We hope everybody is healthy enough to play.” During the summer, Hunter was allegedly shown in a sex tape video that was spread on social media. Soon after the video’s leak, Auburn announced multiple football players would receive indefinite suspensions, but did not state who was suspended or why. Hunter missed at least the first two practices of Auburn’s preseason camp which began on Aug. 3, and was seen during a period of practice open to media on Aug. 8. He has been at practice since and projects as Auburn’s top running back. He is listed as the starter at the position on the depth chart released Monday. At various media availabilities during the offseason and at preseason practices, Freeze has declined to comment on Hunter’s status, stating it is an internal matter. Much off the field remains unclear and unanswered. On the field, Auburn expects Hunter to break out as a true star and workhorse running back — which he showed many flashes of en route to being Auburn’s third-leading rusher with over 700 yards last season. Now, with Tank Bigsby gone to the NFL, Hunter is the clear top back for Auburn. Auburn kicks off against UMass at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at mcohen@al.com If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 he talks football as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 yahoo.com Five ways Auburn can get upset by UMass JD McCarthyThu, August 31, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT·3 min read0Link Copied 4–5 minutes Auburn is set to start its 2023 season against UMass on Saturday and while they are heavy favorites, the matchup looks tougher than when the Tigers originally scheduled the game. While Auburn has the advantage in talent, the Minutemen have several things going for them and should not be taken lightly as they look to spoil Hugh Freeze’s debut as Auburn’s head coach. Freeze has plenty of experience facing UMass, he went 4-0 against them and outscored them 212-62 in his time at Liberty. However, Don Brown has things looking better in his second season at the helm of the program and after some heavy work in the portal, their roster is much improved and they no longer look like an easy pick to be one of the worst teams in FBS, which has been the case over the past couple of seasons. Here is a look at five ways UMass can pull off the stunning upset in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The UMass defense creates negative plays Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports UMass loves to create negative plays under Brown and those can lead to upsets. They did a great job of this last week against New Mexico State, forcing three turnovers and scoring 21 points off them. They also made 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks as they kept New Mexico State behind the chains. If the Minutemen can force some turnovers and take advantage of the shortened field then Auburn could be in trouble Auburn's new offensive line takes time to come together Photo by Austin Perryman Auburn has done a great job rebuilding its offensive line through the transfer portal, signing five players this offseason and expectations are high for the group. While they have all shined at other schools, Auburn has six newcomers on the two-deep and it could take some time for the unit to get used to playing together and UMass has a good enough defensive line to take advantage of any opportunities. Auburn fans know that if the offensive line is struggling then it can derail the entire offense. Auburn's run defense is actually bad © Meg Potter/Sun-News / USA TODAY NETWORK There has been talk all offseason about how good Auburn’s running backs have looked and how that could be the strength of the offense. However, Freeze has stated multiple times that he is also worried about the running defense and what it would mean if that group was making the tailbacks shine. UMass has the ability to test the group with quarterback Taisun Phommachanh and running back Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams. The duo combined to rush for 175 yards and three touchdowns last week and will take advantage of any mistakes by Auburn. No wide receivers step up Photo by Declan Greene Auburn is looking to fix a passing attack that has been largely dormant over the past couple of seasons and they went out and landed four receivers from the transfer portal to jumpstart the rebuild. Auburn is counting on some of them to make a significant jump in competition to help quarterback Peyton Thorne. If no one from the group is able to step up and emerge as a reliable target, it could limit Auburn’s offense and allow UMass to stick around. They have already played © Meg Potter/Sun-News / USA TODAY NETWORK Unlike Auburn, UMass has already played a game this season and while that means Auburn has film on the Minutement, they also had a chance to iron out wrinkles. That experience is extremely valuable and will allow the UMass coaching staff to have a better understanding of their team and to fix any problems they noticed. Auburn has not had that opportunity and that could make a difference in the game. Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 UMass' Don Brown talks Auburn matchup, praises Freeze's offensive play calling Published: Aug. 31, 2023, 6:00 a.m. 3–4 minutes Auburn Football ‘To be the best, you have to beat the best’: UMass’ Don Brown previews game against Auburn Hugh Freeze previews Auburn's week 1 game vs UMass For the second week in a row, the UMass Minutemen football program will hit the road for what head coach Don Brown called another “sizeable trip”. Between a 4,600-mile roundtrip to and from Las Cruces for last Saturday’s Week 0 game against New Mexico State and this week’s 1,200-mile trip to Auburn, the Minutemen will have spent a lot of time traveling when things finally kickoff from Jordan-Hare Stadium at 2:30 CT on Saturday. “We’ve gotta handle the trip like men and make sure we’re prepared to play on Saturday,” Brown said in his press conference Monday. Though getting a win on the road at New Mexico State is nothing to scoff at, which Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze alluded to in his press conference Monday, Brown and his players know their trip to The Plains will present much bigger challenges — both from an atmosphere standpoint and from an Xs and Os standpoint. However, Brown and the Minutemen are hoping that already having a game under their belt and Auburn having yet to take the field will work in their favor. “I hope so,” Brown joked when asked if he thought the Tigers might have to shake some rust off Saturday. “I don’t wish ill on people and I’m sure Coach Freeze will have them ready to play.” Just as Freeze was complimentary of Brown for being “one of the best defensive play callers in the country”, Brown dished the mutual respect right back to Freeze, who Brown coached against last fall as UMass took on Freeze’s Liberty Flames. “Coach Freeze is a good ball coach, now,” Brown said. “He does a good job offensively and obviously he’s making the adjustment to a new system and I’m sure he’ll have those guys ready to go. We’ve just gotta be ready for the challenge and go 100 miles and hour. That’s kinda the approach.” Pleased with last week’s 41-30 win over New Mexico State — a game in which he says he saw his team make very few “wholesale mistakes” — Brown hopes the Minutemen can carry some of the momentum into Jordan-Hare on Saturday. And though UMass currently sits as a 37.5-point underdog, Brown and the Minutemen won’t be looking for moral victories Saturday. “Obviously we’ve got challenges in front of us,” Brown said. “But you know, SEC opponent. If you wanna be the best, you’ve gotta beat the best. So that’s the goal.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 al.com ESPN's Jesse Palmer identifies one 'critical' piece to Hugh Freeze, Auburn's success Published: Aug. 30, 2023, 5:42 p.m. 4–5 minutes Auburn Football ESPN’s Palmer: ‘College football is better when Auburn is good’; names one key piece to AU’s success In a photo provided by ESPN Images, Rece Davis, left, and Jesse Palmer discuss the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Bristol, Conn. (Allen Kee/ESPN Images via AP)AP Since joining ESPN as a college football analyst in 2007, Jesse Palmer has seen the rise and fall of Auburn football as the Tigers’ program has coursed though the end of the Tommy Tuberville era, the Gene Chizik years, the ride with Gus Malzahn, the brief Bryan Harsin adventure and now the start of Hugh Freeze’s tenure. If Palmer had one takeaway from it all, it’s this: “College football, to me, is better when Auburn is good.” Those were some of Palmer’s comments on the Tigers during a media availability ESPN hosted Wednesday morning. And according to Palmer, Auburn’s ascension back towards the top of the college football ranks hinges on one key piece. “I think the quarterback position is obviously massive,” Palmer said. “It’s critical.” Palmer’s emphasis on Auburn’s quarterback play shouldn’t come as a surprise. A former SEC quarterback himself, Palmer remembers how important the position was from his time playing under Steve Spurrier at Florida in the late 1990s. But perhaps more than that, Palmer has watched how dangerous Auburn can be when piloted by efficient quarterback play. “Special seasons generally revolve around great quarterback play there — and really throughout the SEC, when you think about it — but obviously Cam Newton, Nick Marshall and what he was able to do was special and unique,” Palmer said. Earlier this month, Freeze named junior Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne Auburn’s starting quarterback. Thorne’s appointment came after a lengthy, three-man race that also featured incumbent starter Robby Ashford and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner. While it’s too early to tell if Thorne can be the great quarterback for a special season can revolve around, Palmer is confident in Freeze being the guy to elevate the quarterback situation on The Plains. “I think Hugh Freeze’s scheme is very quarterback friendly,” Palmer said. “I think you’ve seen that anywhere he’s been throughout all of his stops through college football.” When describing a Freeze-led program, Palmer used things like “up and down the field”, “explosive plays”, “tempo” and “the scoreboard lighting up” as his descriptors. And if those things prove to be true in 2023, Palmer knows what lies ahead. When Palmer was a true freshman in 1997, he and the Florida Gators traveled to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium for a mid-October matchup. Palmer started the game and helped the Gators to a 24-10 win. But Florida’s win is far from the only thing he remembers about the game. “Jordan-Hare is a scary place. I started there as a true freshman, I know what it feels like firsthand. I’ve called a lot of games there. Homefield advantage is a real thing,” Palmer said. “And it doesn’t take much. You get a few wins and Jordan-Hare starts rolling… You guys are allowed to do Toomer’s Corner again, right? I mean this is awesome. This is good for college football. College football, to me, is better when Auburn’s good. I don’t think it’s too, too far away. I think there are going to be really good things on the horizon.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 al.com Now at Auburn, Freeze says he and Saban discussed Alabama coordinator job in 2017 Updated: Aug. 30, 2023, 11:35 p.m.|Published: Aug. 30, 2023, 1:23 p.m. 4–5 minutes Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze and Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban talk before the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. (Mark Almond/malmond@al.com) Over the years, Alabama’s Nick Saban and now Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze remained close. Their relationship formed when Freeze was the head coach at Ole Miss and at one point, Saban tried to hire Freeze to join his staff. Now in 2023, Freeze was asked during an SEC conference call with reporters about his conversations with Saban. He said Saban tried to hire him around when he was hired at Liberty. Freeze said Saban had been helpful to him during the time after his resignation amid a scandal at Ole Miss involving contacting escorts on his university-issued device and a “pattern of personal misconduct,” according to the SEC. “He was so good to me in my two years out and truthfully it was when I got to Liberty that there were a couple of occasions that Coach Saban and I had great conversations about that,” Freeze said Wednesday. “They just never seemed to work out for one reason or another. The most real was after I got to Liberty and his coordinator left.” AL.com previously reported there was mutual interest between Saban and Freeze to hire the former Ole Miss coach who had beaten Saban twice. Alabama had an opening at the position. But SEC commissioner Greg Sankey pushed against bringing Freeze back into the SEC. In 2020, AL.com wrote, that Sankey told Freeze, Saban and the Alabama program that hiring Freeze would look bad for the SEC while Ole Miss dealt with NCAA penalties from his tenure. Sankey wanted Freeze out of the conference for some time before having him back at an SEC school. The SEC did not comment for the AL.com story. Alabama ultimately promoted Mike Locksley and hired Josh Gattis as co-offensive coordinators. Locksley is now the head coach at Maryland and Gattis is his offensive coordinator. On Wednesday, Freeze did not say the SEC necessarily “blocked” his potential hire at Alabama, but instead attributed his decision to stay at Liberty to the timing. “That was very, very hard on me there because I had already gotten there and hired a few people and that would have been very difficult for me to leave,” Freeze said. “I think Coach understood that. I’ve said it before and I know I’m at Auburn and he’s at Alabama, but he and Miss Terry have been very, very good to Jill and I. I appreciate him even entertaining the thought that that could happen during those times.” The two coaches kept up with each other during Freeze’s stint at Liberty. Now back in the SEC, Freeze called Saban “the king” during SEC Media Days in Nashville. “I want to measure ourselves against the gold standard,” Freeze said of comparing Auburn to Alabama during SEC Media Days. Saban was complimentary of Freeze during his availability session at SEC Media Days. Asked about his relationship with Freeze by AL.com, Saban said the two are still good friends. “When the game is over, you’re still friends and that’s the way it will be probably with this,” Saban said. It’s a great rivalry, the Iron Bowl, and being successful in that game usually happens some significant impact on the SEC and the West Division. So it’s a game that’s really, really important to us to try to continue to be able to do the things that we need to do to be able to have success, and when we play down there, it’s always been challenging.” Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at mcohen@al.com If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 8,579 Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 Thanx again Fiddy. Got some stuff going on this morning but will circle back here later today. Nice and crisp 68 degrees in Auburn this morning and shaping up to be a beautiful day. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 si.com Elijah McAllister: 'I've never been part of something like this' Steve Simpson 3–4 minutes The Vanderbilt transfer has made a huge impression on his coaches and teammates. An Auburn man, is a man that is the embodiment of the Auburn Creed. Tiger football players usually earn that title over the course of several years on the plains absorbing and experiencing all that it means to be a part of Auburn football and Auburn in general. Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister has only been on campus since January of this year, but he has already earned the title. Elijah lives the Creed, " I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work." That hard work during the off-season, in spring practice and through summer workouts earned him the honor of representing his teammate at SEC Media Days in July. McAllister's teammates have taken notice of his efforts and leadership as well, and recently selected him as a team captain. Elijah lives the Creed, "I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellowmen." It's an unusual circumstance for a player that has not played a down for the Tigers to be selected as a captain. Appearing on the The Next Round, McAllister said, "Yeah, I think it just stems from, you know, my authenticity of who I am and how I show up every single day." Of his time on campus, he said, "it's easy to feel comfortable at a place like Auburn, with the people, because it's such a place with heavy tradition and people who love their football and love their people." Coach Pat Day once said if you love Auburn, Auburn will love you back. Elijah McAllister loves Auburn and he will get his first taste of Auburn loving him back Saturday afternoon in Jordan-Hare and he can't wait. "I've never been part of something like this as a player. The tradition, the Tiger Walk, the eagle flight, the amount of fans that is going to be there, it's already sold out. I'm just excited to be able to play at this university." The Tigers and the Minutemen kickoff at 2:30pm CDT on ESPN. Other Stories 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 yahoo.com Auburn kicks off Hugh Freeze era against UMass. Payton Thorne set to debut as Tigers QB The Associated PressThu, August 31, 2023 at 7:57 AM CDT·2 min read0Link Copied ~3 minutes UMass (1-0) at Auburn (0-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) Line: Auburn by 35 ½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Series record: First meeting. WHAT’S AT STAKE? It's the debut for Auburn coach Hugh Freeze in his return to the Southeastern Conference. While much bigger games are to come, Tigers fans are eager for the restart after two seasons of struggles, mostly under Bryan Harsin. The offense is especially something to watch with Michigan State graduate transfer Payton Thorne taking over at quarterback and plenty of new offensive linemen and wide receivers. UMass is trying for a huge upset after losing its final nine games last season and then opening with a win (over New Mexico State) for the first time since 2018. KEY MATCHUP Auburn's passing game vs. UMass secondary. Freeze raved about UMass coach Don Brown's abilities as a defensive coach. Auburn is trying to improve one of last season's worst passing offenses. UMass forced three turnovers against New Mexico State and Isaiah Rutherford returned an interception for a touchdown. It's an important chance for Auburn to break in some new players, including receiver transfers like Omari Kelly, Shane Hooks, Nick Mardner, Caleb Burton and Jyaire Shorter. PLAYERS TO WATCH UMass: QB Taisun Phommachanh passed for 192 yards and ran for 96 in the opener against New Mexico State. It was his UMass debut after stints at Clemson and Georgia Tech. Auburn: QB Payton Thorne brings experience to the position that Auburn has lacked since Bo Nix transferred to Oregon. A two-time team captain at Michigan State, Thorne beat out returning starter Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner in fall camp after signing following spring practice. FACTS & FIGURES Freeze is 1-3 in his debuts at a new program, including a 49-27 Ole Miss win over Central Arkansas to start the 2012 season. ... Auburn sold a school-record 63,500 season tickets. The previous record of 62,900 came in 2014 with the Tigers coming off a run to the national championship game. ... UMass has 15 transfers from Power Five programs on the roster. ... Phommachanh was one of three transfer quarterbacks signed by UMass in the offseason. ... The Minutemen scored 28 points in the fourth quarter against New Mexico State, matching the program's highest total for a quarter as an FBS team. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 an interesting tidbit........... With their 41-30 win over New Mexico State UMass has scored 40 or more points for the first time in almost 5 years Analysis The last time UMass scored over 40 points was 11/3/2018 in a 62-59 victory over Liberty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 247sports.com Auburn opponent preview A look at the UMass offense Jason Caldwell 9–11 minutes UMass is coming off a solid performance in the season opener. A UMass offense that finished last in the country in 2022 in scoring offense, averaging just 12.5 points per game, looks very different heading into Saturday’s season opener for the Auburn Tigers with the addition of former Clemson and Georgia Tech quarterback Taisun Phommachanh and Arizona wide receiver transfer Anthony Simpson giving the Minutemen a much different look for Hugh Freeze’s team to deal with beginning at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Averaging just over 100 yards per game through the air with four touchdowns and 14 interceptions last year, UMass has been given a huge boost on offense by the addition of the former 4-star prospect at quarterback. Making his first start for the program last week in a road win at New Mexico State, Phommanchanh completed 10-17 passes for 192 yards in the win. Also leading the team in rushing with 96 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown, the 6-4, 215-pounder will be a lot to handle for the Auburn defense. But, he’s not alone. Rutgers transfer Kay’ron Adams (5-10, 205, Jr.) is a powerhouse at running back. Playing his first two seasons with the Scarlet Knights before working as a backup the last two years at UMass, Adams had 15 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns last week against NMSU. Outside at receiver, Simpson is the top threat for UMass after catching three passes for 65 yards last week and adding two carries for 27 yards and a touchdown. A 5-11, 180 junior, Simpson played the last two seasons at Arizona and was used mostly on special teams. George Johnson (6-0, 185, RJr.) and Mark Pope (6-0, 180, RSr.) are listed as the other two starters for UMass at wide receiver and Pope is a name that could be familiar to Auburn fans. A native of Miami, he started his career with the Hurricanes and caught 52 passes for 680 yards and four touchdowns in 34 games for the Hurricanes. Up front, UMass has size and experience on the offensive line. At left tackle, 6-6, 310 junior Jony Hassard has started all 12 games each of the last two seasons. Next to him, 6-3, 300 senior Cole Garcia was in the lineup for every game last year for the Minutemen. In the middle, 6-2, 330 Josh Atwood started two games on the defensive line in 2021 before starting all 12 games last season. At right guard, 6-5, 330 Marcellus Anderson transferred from Saginaw Valley where he played in 23 games. Rounding out the group is 6-5, 330 junior Ethan Mottinger at right tackle, who has started 19 career games at UMass. Offensive depth chart: QB 3 TAISUN PHOMMACHANH R-JR. 6-4 215 5 CARLOS DAVIS R-SR. 6-2 220 -OR- 2 BRADY OLSON JR. 6-3 200 RB 15 KAY'RON LYNCH-ADAMS R-JR. 5-10 205 20 GREG DESROSIERS JR R-SO. 5-11 200 21 JALEN JOHN R-SO. 5-11 225 32 JACKSON PARADIS R-FR. 6-0 225 WR (X) 4 GEORGE JOHNSON III R-JR. 6-0 185 9 CHRISTIAN WELLS R-JR. 6-1 180 WR (A) 7 MARK POPE R-SR. 6-0 180 0 JACQUON GIBSON SO. 5-11 185 WR (Z) 8 ANTHONY SIMPSON JR. 5-11 180 1 ISAAC ROSS R-SR. 5-9 170 -OR- 12 SHAWN HARRIS JR R-JR. 5-9 170 10 T.Y. HARDING SO. 5-9 175 TE 13 GINO CAMPIOTTI R-SR. 6-2 225 11 ENI FALAYI R-SO. 6-5 240 80 MATT SMITH R-JR. 6-5 245 85 JACKSON MANNING R-SO. 6-5 250 LT 58 JONNY HASSARD JR. 6-6 310 70 BRANDON MACKINNON R-SO. 6-6 300 LG 73 COLE GARCIA R-SR. 6-3 300 65 CONNOR VASHER R-SR. 6-3 295 -OR- 69 PARRIS HEATH R-SR. 6-4 325 C 60 JOSH ATWOOD JR. 6-2 330 77 TYLER LEINBERGER R-FR. 6-3 330 RG 75 MARCELLUS ANDERSON R-SR. 6-5 330 66 WYATT TERLAAK R-JR. 6-4 350 RT 72 ETHAN MOTTINGER JR. 6-5 330 79 RYAN MOSESSO R-SO. 6-5 290 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 Phillip's Thursday morning musings Rambling around the beat as Auburn's season-opener nears The spectacle of a college football Saturday Another Auburn football season begins in two days when UMass comes to visit. It will mark the beginning of my 53rd year covering college football. Sixty-five years ago, at the age of 8, I attended a game at what was then Cliff Hare Stadium for the first time. Much has changed over the decades, but it was the spectacle that first fascinated me about college football. And it still does today. I remember … --When Cliff Hare Stadium had 34,500 seats. For big games, standing room tickets were sold for the grassy hill on the northeast end of the stadium. --When college girls wore colorful mum corsages on football Saturdays. --The Auburn Grille on College Street. --Paying 25 cents to go to movies at the Tiger or the War Eagle. --Auburn students yelling “Tiger meat” as opponents took the field. --Straight-on kickers. --Barefoot punters. --When facemasks were optional, and some players chose to not wear them. --When kids ran onto the field after games and asked players for their chinstraps. --When parking was free in the field behind the west stands and high school students sold programs for $1 apiece. Neville Arena is where that field used to be, and scholarship donors park in the adjacent parking lot. I’m not sure how much programs cost now, but I am pretty sure it’s more than a dollar. --When I would be allowed to go to the press box with my father before games. There was a sign that read “No women or children allowed.” --Getting a sideline pass for Auburn’s game against Chattanooga when I was 10 years old. Shug Jordan walked up to where I stood the late Tim Herring, my lifelong friend and son of defensive coordinator Hal Herring, during pregame warmups. Coach Jordan told us, “If you see some big ol’ boys running toward you, get out of the way!” What you see is not always what you get It pays to remember when watching football games at any level that you’re not always seeing what you believe you are seeing: This from the late Lionel James: In No. 1 Georgia’s 19-14 victory over Auburn in 1982, one of better games I have ever watched, James had an 89-yard touchdown run. It happened because Bo Jackson missed his block on the play. James made the unexpectedly unblocked defender miss. Jackson kept going downfield and wiped out another defender, springing James into the open. And this from the late Mal Moore, an Alabama assistant in 1972: When Auburn’s Bill Newton charged straight ahead blocked a punt and David Langner caught it on the bounced and scored a touchdown to cut Alabama’s lead to 16-10, Alabama coaches thought the rush had come from the outside. When they had to punt again, the fix was to tell Greg Gantt to move three steps closer to the line of scrimmage. Newton took the same path he’d taken the first time. Gantt had no chance to get it off. Langner caught it on the bounce again and scored again. Auburn won 17-16. Another difference: The entire Auburn team went to the end zone to celebrate with Langner. There was no penalty because there was no rule against it. That’s not the case today. Captains earn respect It’s impressive that transfers Payton Thorne and Elijah McAllister were chosen by their teammates to join Luke Deal and Cam Stutts as captains. Earning that kind of respect is a big deal. For two transfers who have never played a game for Auburn to earn that respect is something special. Deal: ‘We’ve grown really close’ Deal has dozens of teammates that he didn’t know at this time last season. He says it has been a unique experience, and a good one. “I just think just how much fun we’re going to have on the field,” Deal said. “I think we’ve grown really close as a team. We’ve got a bunch of different moving parts, people from all over – transfer portal, new guys. The main thing for us is just getting to know each other. Just to get to know each other deeper than just a number on the back of the jersey or a last name or something like that. So we are a really close team and expect to have a lot of fun this season.” Elite company for Thorne Thorne will join a select group on Saturday when he takes the field against UMass as Auburn’s starting quarterback. He will join Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Nick Marshall and Cam Newton as quarterbacks starting in the first games in which they were part of the team. The summer of Deion almost over The flood of stories and columns on Deion Sanders continues unabated. I don’t believe any coach in my experience has received such attention. I am certain no coach in my experience has received such attention before he coaches his first FBS game. Lord help us all when he wins one. Who cares what Harbaugh believes? I read a column the other day that said the College Football Playoff’s work had been complicated because Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said players should get a cut of the TV money. What that has to do with the College Football Playoff is beyond me. Plus, why would the words of a coach who has been suspended for three games for cheating be influential anyway? Can the SEC West reclaim its dominance? Will this be a comeback year for the SEC West? For the first time since the 1990s, the East could make an argument last season for being the stronger division. LSU won the West in a season in which Alabama took a step back. Auburn and Texas A&M had losing seasons. Arkansas barely had a winning season. It was akin to the years when Florida won the East under Jim McElwain but had no chance to win the championship game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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